Moving from Tyler, TX to Tempe, AZ
The drive from Tyler, TX to Tempe, AZ runs 1157 mi β about 19h 40m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1157 mi Β· 19h 40m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 20, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tyler | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.156 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.904 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.911 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 12.1% pricier overall in Tempe than Tyler on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Tempe typical home at $468,281 is 12.1% above Tyler at $251,563 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Tyler -1.0%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tyler | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.7" | 8.8" |
Climate warms by 5.3Β°F on the annual average β 66.5Β°F β 71.8Β°F.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Tempe sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TYLER, TX US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tyler | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,718 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $65,527 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.4% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.42 |
Income steps up 12.1%: $65,527 in Tyler vs $77,643 in Tempe.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tempe average 106Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Tempe, AZ from Tyler, TX?
The driving distance is 1157 mi and the route typically takes 19h 40m via I 10 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Tyler vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $65,527 in Tyler β a 18.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Tyler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $251,563 in Tyler β a 86.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Tyler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $39,080 in the Tyler MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 111,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tyler to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1157 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Tempe more expensive than Tyler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 12.1% higher than Tyler (103.316 vs 92.156, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tyler.
City profiles: Tyler, TX Β· Tempe, AZ.